BMW Recalls SUVs Over Steering Defect

by Nate Wooley | December 7, 2012 1:47 pm

German automaker BMW is voluntarily recalling[1] more than 30,000 of its X5 sport utility vehicles.

The vehicles, sold between 2009 and 2012, may have a serious issue that would cause the power steering to fail. The failure could occur when a bolt in the power assist system fails, thereby knocking out the power steering. If that happens steering the vehicle would suddenly become much more difficult and could result in a crash.

The models covered by the recall are the BMW X5 xDrive35d SUV manufactured from Sept. 1, 2008, through Nov. 15, 2012.

The firm became aware of the problem through an investigation by Transport Canada, the Canadian governmental body that monitors traffic safety. Following that, the company reported the issue to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.